A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Beijing or Miami?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Miami can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami

Miami is a bustling, high energy, and glamorous beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Beijing and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Miami?

You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Miami. Beijing is bigger than Miami, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is better known for its museums and impressive beauty, while Miami is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Beijing is well known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Miami is well known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants.

How is Beijing different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Miami and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Miami?

Beijing is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Beijing that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Miami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Miami can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Eat your way through Miami, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

Is Beijing or Miami Better for Nightlife?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Miami is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Beijing or Miami Better for Music?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Beijing is not a live music destination.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is Beijing or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Beijing is not a resort destination.

Miami is a world class resort vacation destination. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Beijing is not a resort destination.

Is Beijing or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

Miami is considered to be a world-class beach destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Miami?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Beijing or Miami Better for Families?

Miami is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Miami is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Miami Better for Couples?

Miami is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Beijing or Miami Better for Students?

Beijing is well known for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Beijing is very popular with students. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Is Beijing or Miami Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing is well known for its public transit. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Beijing can move around easily with public transportation. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Beijing or Miami a more walkable city?

Miami is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Miami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Miami or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Miami?

Both Beijing and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Miami has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Miami than Beijing. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

Families should spend more time in Miami than Beijing. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Miami, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Miami than Beijing. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Miami that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Miami if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Miami?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Miami, you'll find nightlife and live music. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Miami, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Beijing or Miami?

Beijing is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Miami is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Miami has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Miami?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. In Miami, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Miami, we can see that Miami is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Miami is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami than you might in Beijing.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Miami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Miami?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Miami, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Beijing or Miami?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Miami in the Summer?

Both Miami and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Beijing is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Miami. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Miami in the Autumn?

Both Miami and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Beijing is generally much colder than Miami. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Miami. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Miami in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Miami. The winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

The weather in Beijing can be very cold. Beijing is much colder than Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Miami during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Miami. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Miami in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Miami. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Beijing is much colder than Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Miami. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Miami and Beijing